Quote by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
The true value of man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is not possession of Truth by which he extends his powers and in which his ever-growing perfectability is to be found. Possession makes one passive, indolent and proud. If God were to hold all Truth concealed in his right hand, and in his left only the steady and diligent drive for Truth, albeit with the proviso that I would always and forever err in the process, and to offer me the choice, I would with all humility take the left hand.
Summary
This quote, often attributed to German philosopher Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, emphasizes the idea that the true value of an individual lies not in possessing the ultimate truth, but in the sincere quest for truth. It suggests that the act of seeking knowledge and understanding is more important than claiming to possess absolute truth. The quote further suggests that actively pursuing truth leads to personal growth and development, while passively possessing truth can lead to arrogance and complacency. It implies that the process of searching for truth is more valuable than having a predetermined set of beliefs.
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